Volunteers busy for litter picking party at Coolnagun

A small party of volunteers turned up for the ‘Litter Picking Party’ at Coolnagun bog on Saturday and “did a fantastic job”, said Caroline Pilkington, who organised the event.

She said the rain set in and the volunteers were wet and cold at the end, but what they found amounted to a large pile that included some weird items. Caroline thanked Darragh O’Brien and Kerry from Coole and the Flynns, who have just moved to Coole; and also Helen Coyle and three of her children Jamie, Eva and William for their help.

She said that since the Deposit Return Scheme was launched in 2024, there has been a decrease in bottles and cans being dumped, but there are still significant amounts of household waste such as nappies and large items in ditches and the areas around the bog.

The previous organised pick up in 2023 was also a success and left the bog clean for all those who use it, including dog walkers, fishermen and tourists.